How Aging Affects the Eyes (and What We Can Do about It)

Drs. Robert Graper and Garrett Harper’s facial rejuvenation patients often complain about the appearance of their eyes. The eyes are one of the first areas of the face to show signs of aging and can give an otherwise attractive face a sad, angry or fatigued look. Here, the Charlotte plastic surgeons share their take on some of the top complaints about the eyes, and explain how best to remedy those problems.

Hollow or Sunken-in Looking Eyes

One of the most universal effects of aging is the loss of facial volume. When the area around the eyes loses volume, the skin can start to drape differently over the tissues, giving the eyes a hollow or sunken-in quality that only worsens with age. Careful injections of filler products like Juvederm can replenish lost volume and restore a youthful appearance to the eye areas.

Under-eye Bags

Another common effect of aging is outward bulging of the natural fat pads in the lower eyelids, which creates what appear to be bags underneath the eyes. There are a few ways to remedy under-eye bags. For a non-surgical solution, injections of filler products can smooth out the indentation between the puffiness and the upper cheek.

Alternatively, a procedure called transconjunctival blepharoplasty can help. Through an incision created inside the lower eyelid, the fat pads are removed. This procedure eliminates under-eye bags without leaving any visible scarring.

Droopy Outer Corners of the Eyes

A youthful eye has an almond shape, with the inner corner slightly lower than the outer corner. The effects of aging and gravity can cause the outer corner to droop either level with the inner corner or below it. A surgical procedure called a lateral canthopexy or lateral canthoplasty can lift the outer corner to restore a youthful almond shape.

Fine Lines and Wrinkles

Fine lines around the corners of the eyes are very common in the aging patient. Injections of Botox can temporarily relax the facial muscles that contract when squinting or frowning, and erase the overlying lines.

Contact Graper Cosmetic Surgery

These are just a few of the common effects of aging on the eyes that our trusted plastic surgeons can address. To discuss your own concerns with our plastic surgeons, please call or email Graper Cosmetic Surgery today.